THE DESTINATION | Fernie and the Kootenay Rockies

The community of Fernie is nestled within the Kootenay Rockies, in the southeastern corner of British Columbia. This area offers a diverse topography of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains. Residents and visitors indulge in a variety of activities, with outdoor water pursuits such as canoeing, boating, windsurfing, water-skiing, white-water rafting, and fishing. The Kootenays is also quickly becoming known for its rich presence of arts and culture.

Fernie and the Kootenay region in general have been receiving a multitude of attention for the amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities found at the many resorts located within the area. The Kootenay Rockies hosts 34.2% of the province’s ski runs, with Fernie Alpine Resort the second largest ski facility with 107 runs. Fernie Alpine Resort became one of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which has increased the awareness and draw to this small ski community worldwide. Mountain biking and a host of other summer activities, along with the natural beauty in general during the warm summer months, have put Fernie and the Kootenays on the map as a hot summer destination.

Naturally with the continual recognition and interest in this area comes the increase in property value and development. Golf courses, condominiums, town homes, new corridors, bike trails, cross country terrain, and so much more are in the pipeline or are currently hitting the market with gusto.

“Most homes in the Fernie area are worth more on this year’s assessment roll than they were on the 2007 assessment roll,” said Jim Norton, Kootenay Region Area Assessor. “Home owners in the City of Fernie will see a moderate change in their assessed value. For example, a typical single family home in the City of Fernie that was assessed at $280,000 in the summer of 2006, was assessed at $348,000 in the summer of 2007.”

Strong demand continues in the area for waterfront, recreational and development property, according to BC Assessment and this trend is continuing in 2008. With a host of properties slated to hit the market in 2008 and 2009, Fernie and the surrounding area will continue to offer opportunities to those looking to invest, re-locate or recreate in the splendour of the Kootenay Rockies!